Can you believe it was three years ago (from Saturday) that I shared my first blog post with you guys?
I certainly can’t.
I think most bloggers can relate to this, but I always cringe laugh when I look back at some of my past posts. The waaaay too wordy workout descriptions, the awful pictures, and just the way I wrote some things? Borderline embarrassing. No wonder only my mom and my roommates read at the time. <—because I forced them to.
But it’s all part of the learning process. Through this hobby of mine, I’ve definitely become a better writer. I’ve become more confident. Through healthy living blogging, I have become healthier. Stronger. And I’ve definitely expanded my network, established some awesome connections, and made some great virtual AND real life friends.
By far one of the best connections that I’ve established through blogging is my relationship with New Balance. I always say I love the brand and what it stands for, and it’s been great to work with them on different fitness events, product reviews and promotions, and more. Today I’m teaming up with New Balance again so that we can celebrate F&F’s third birthday with a really awesome giveaway.
Ready?
One lucky F&F reader will win these two fabulous items:
Fresh Foam 822 Trainer
Inspired by our best-selling Fresh Foam running shoe, the Fresh Foam 822 women’s trainer bring the science of soft to the gym with a high-tech, high-comfort midsole and flexible yet supportive fit. The innovative midsole design helps provide lateral stability and cushioning during high-impact workouts — and foam pillows on the tongue and heel add even more plush comfort. And so you can move freely from studio to gym to boot camp, this women’s shoe flaunts flex grooves in the outsole that help your shoe and foot move as one.
Wellness Tote
The New Balance Wellness Tote is the perfect bag to go from work to workout, accommodating your workout gear, laptop, files and more. Separate compartments for apparel and shoes keep you organized while a removable, washable cinch sack holds smaller items in place. The tote also features a padded laptop sleeve, cord organizer pockets, a document pocket, and straps to hold your jacket or yoga mat.
To enter the giveaway, you must do TWO things:
1. Leave a comment on this post answering either question A (what would you like to see more of on F&F in year four?) or question B (what is one of your favorite F&F posts from years past?).
2. Leave a second comment on this post after sharing the giveaway on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram). Example social share: I just entered to win some awesome fitness gear from @fitnessandfeta! Happy 3 years of blogging! http://wp.me/p1GYjo-3v2
This giveaway will be open until Friday 7/18 at 11:59 EST. The winner will be announced early in the week of 7/21, so make sure to check back and see if you won! A huge thank you to my friends at New Balance for donating these products for the giveaway.
Good luck!
For extra related reading material today, check out:
- My first post ever: Giving It A Go
- Fitness & Feta Turns One
- Fitness & Feta Turns Two
- In honor of my 1,000th post: Blogging Lessons Learned
- Still my most popular post of all time, and it’s wicked random: Ground turkey and rice stuffed peppers
Athena! It is not possible that this blog is already 3 years old!!! I really like reading the posts about reader success stories! They are always so motivating!
Shared on Twitter…..@GoofyRyder
HOORAY for three years!!!
I’d love to see more healthy recipes and meal ideas. I love seeing what you make with the CSA offerings!
And…shared!
I came across this blog by accident and now I check it regularly. I love looking at your blog for workouts!! I would love more of them 🙂
Congrats Athena! 3 years woop woop 🙂 I can’t really pick one favorite post, but i like all of your healthy recipes posts. I try to cook all of them at some point and they always taste so good! 🙂
…and shared on twitter and facebook..
I’d love to see some more workouts on F&F in year four! Also, can’t wait to see some life updates. 🙂
I would love to see more recipes (sans olives) and I love your reviews on sports gear!
I tweeted 🙂
https://twitter.com/emireerose/status/488680188587548672
I Tweeted and Facebooked the competition, fingers crossed I win! New shoes would totally help my training for my first ever half marathon! 🙂
Happy 3 Years! I would love to see mini work outs, healthy foods or healthy shake receipes.
Tweeted 🙂 https://twitter.com/savingbride/status/488681321997557760
And I love following along with your workout logs!
I would like to see some recipes.
Shared on twitter.
Happy 3 years! Amazing! Recipes are always fun to see so… 😉
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/RebeccaGF666/status/488695793235140608
Happy 3 Years! I really like the healthy recipes. I am always looking for new ideas on how to create a healthy meal!
Happy 3 years! I love your recipes and your no equipment workout posts! I just shared via tweet from @fitfoodiemama 🙂
shared on Facebook!
Happy 3 years, Athena! It’s crazy how fast time flies. It is hard to choose a favorite, but you always make me laugh so hard with your Awk Spots. The one about Tim taking your spin class is probably my favorite 🙂 Now I’m looking forward to wedding planning posts!
posted on facebook!
I’ve been following you for over a year now. I love love love watching your blog evolve and hearing your stories! Thank you so much for making me smile! Congrats on 3 years!
Oh my goodness, where is my brain, totally forgot to answer the question. I loved your post about dealing with negative people. They are everywhere! And need to be avoided. Haha!
I loved your recent post, Healthy Foods I wish I liked. I related so much to them.
Posted to twitter – https://twitter.com/Trainer_Jamie/status/488701968039161856
I love your blog and reading about how you’re inspiring those around you to live a happier, healthier life. Congrats on three years! I would like to see more posts about the workouts you do and see a few more gear reviews!
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/RunnerFaithful/status/488701589775855616
I love your recipes!! I would love to see more at home exercises !
I tweeted!
Apparently my comment decided not to post – I apologize if this ends up being a duplicate! Your favorite posts are the awk spot ones (because I’m totally awkward!) but I always really enjoy your content. So exciting F&F is turning three! Here’s to many more years! 🙂
I would love to continue to see your great workout posts!
I would love to see more Greek recipes!!
Shared on Twitter (@leancleanbrie)
Tweeted!! Happy anniversary! 🙂 https://twitter.com/fittinpretty/status/488713990940667904
I can NEVER get enough workout and meal ideas!! 🙂
I love reading about how you motivate yourself in times of stress. And I’m looking forward to reading about your wedding planning too 🙂
Thanks for being an inspiration.
Shared on Facebook!
I love all of your recipes… so, keep those coming! (And congrats on 3 years!)
I would love to see more of your healthy food choices – recipes and what you order at restaurants – it’s inspiring! 🙂
I shared the giveaway on Facebook!
more recipes! I’ve made some of your protein entrees and they are so good, it would be awesome if you could do more!
I’d love to see more recipes! I like healthy recipes
I shared your giveaway on facebook
I enjoy reading your reviews of fitness/health related products! I’ve definatly tried a few new things based on your posts 🙂 Happy 3 years Athena.
Shared on Facebook!
It’s really hard to pick sometime to see more of, you already do a great job of everything! Yay for 3 years!
I’d love to see more workouts!
I can’t even BELIEVE it has been three years since I met you and heard about F&F! I love your blog! I think my favorite posts are always your workout logs and recent eats. They always give me the best ideas 🙂 happy blogiversary!
Congrats on your 3 year anniversary! You know I love your blog. I especially like the workout and fitness section and love to see more. Keep rocking it!
I would love to see more workout routines, I love to change mine all the time to challenge myself and I’m always looking for great ideas!
tweeted https://twitter.com/stephcouponsxx/status/488797571003854848
I love the tote bag. More awkward spot posts, they always make me laugh
I shared on twitter! @gminusc
In regards to what i would like to see more of on F&F in year four? How about a series of progression posts, i.e. common fitness goals many women have, and how to get there over time? Like how to go from zero to pull-up!
I LOVE your Friday Favorites!! it has led me to other awesome blogs and always has useful info 🙂 shared on Facebook too!
Shared on FB! Can’t find my first comment-
Love the healthy recipes
And love the fitness gear reviews!
Happy blogging 🙂 and happy engagement Athena!
I do not do any social media, but my son does. Does that count ??
Answer to B.). I loved opening up the blog to see the “ring” … You and Tim seem perfect together !! Congrats !
Giving it a Go! is my favorite past post since I like your focus to live a happy and healthy life.
I shared on twitter: https://twitter.com/susieking31/status/488905577960329216
More yummy recipes! You can never hear enough recipes, I love to try new ones.
My fave posts are the Awk Spot! I also loved the one about when Tim went to Spin. O! – and the gnocchi with goat cheese and tomatoes. Too many faves to count here! Happy 3!
I shared on Facebook and Twitter! Xoxo
Congrats on 3 years! I love the workouts, recipes, social posts, heck I love it all! Congrats on all of the exciting things happening in your life right now!
I tweeted, @marykcurran
Tweeted!
https://mobile.twitter.com/maelena990/status/489100001876787201
Hmm…It’s tough to think about something you could write more of, because you cover a wide array of topics 🙂 Maybe more posts about your snacks, and not just meals. Are all of your snacks home-made, or do you buy any packaged bars? Do you always eat before the gym? How often do you snack during the day? Stuff like that 🙂 Happy 3-year anniversary!
I love your reviews and healthy recipes, I’d definitely love to see more in upcoming posts! Congrats on three years! That’s huge!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/j_mosh/status/489233792486633472
Woohoo!! Congrats on 3 years! I’d love to see more recipes.. I don’t think you can ever have enough recipes 🙂
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/BarrAndTable/status/489265571154759681
One of my favorite posts is the run run reindeer workout and the other holiday themed workouts. That’s a unique idea.
I tweeted the contest https://twitter.com/buddlakebirds/status/489341553345712129
I can’t believe it’s been 3 years! congrats, lady! I like reading about your recipes/meals and real life stuff as I can usually relate very well!
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/laurel_runs/status/489406360258224128
I love anything fitness related, so those posts tend to be my favorites! But I love that you also incorporate a lot of healthy and delicious recipes 🙂
I love your workouts since I don’t get to attend your bootcamp classes anymore 🙂 And I can’t wait to hear more about your wedding planning!
Shared on Twitter! https://twitter.com/berubeka/status/489416212229931008
Congrats! I use this for workouts. Maybe a monthly recap of some workouts that we can use for our own exercise regimen. 🙂
I love all the great links you share. More recipes would be good though.
Shared on facebook!
I looove your recipes and have tried / adapted quite a few. I would love to see more of those in Year 4 (although I also DO enjoy the Awk Spot posts too).
I always love yummy and new recipe ideas 🙂
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/cappytweet/status/489406557457641473
(first comment as Janice)
I would love to see more workout posts! Helps keep me motivated!
https://www.facebook.com/amanda.sakovitz/posts/10204488470155843
I would like to see sample workouts.
Shared on instagram!
Great blog! I recently discovered your site and have enjoyed reading your posts. I’d love to see more workout and recipe posts. I also enjoy your weekly link round-ups!
Just tweeted! https://twitter.com/AyeAyeOnTheRun/status/489906927707885568
I would like to see exercises for abs
Shared via twitter – https://twitter.com/SDStephenson/status/489910981993459712
I love your recipes and would like to see exercises for over all toning
https://twitter.com/usnamom2014/status/489936648424001536
I would like to see more small workouts to do at home, inspirations to keep motivated, related articles to check out, monthly workout challenges, and more great photos! Congratulations on your milestone, I have loved your blog from the beginning and have enjoyed the journey!
I love the fresh foam shoes! 🙂
Keep the fitness tips and workouts coming. They’re awesome!
I tweeted! 🙂 https://twitter.com/Slim_Sanity/status/490116350308659202
I tweeted too 🙂
https://twitter.com/Shannin_Maureen/status/490163862520352770
Congrats on 3 successful years! I love when you post your workout routines. I have done a lot of the exercises and they are easy to follow along.
I pinned this giveaway to Pinterest for another entry. Thanks.
I would love to see healthy recipes and fitness advice.
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/490300581672517632